Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Summary: There is suffering we have earned and suffering that seems unfair. When we have to suffer for what seems like no reason, Peter says we need to turn to God and do more good.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:19 — What To Do”
And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved…
Summary: Paul offers us a challenging thought. Righteousness is not an easy path, it is hard road. For the Christian, this offers us an opportunity to think about what it means to be saved.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:18 (a) — The Hard Road”
… and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Summary: Today Peter finishes his thought about judgment with a reference to obedience. How are obedience and faith related?
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:17 (b) — Deep Dive”
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Summary: Peter warns us about one of the ways the enemy of God tries to make Christians suffer; by shaming them. He also tells us what to do. Praise God!
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:16 — En-tangoed”
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Summary: Regardless of whether we are thin-skinned or thick-skin, when we have the Spirit and glory of Jesus on us, the world will insult us. Respond with God’s love.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:14 — Skin”
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
Summary: We have been called by God to get in the game. As soon as we step on the field, the enemy wants to take us out. This is called the ”fiery ordeal.”
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:12 — Feel the Ordeal”
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Summary: Peter uses specific language to tell us how much honor is due to Jesus.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:11 (c) — The Language of Praise”
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
Summary: Faith is trusting that God will provide strength for the task at hand. Our part is to praise God through Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:11 (b) — T.E.A.”
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Summary: Peter tells us to use the gifts God has given us to serve others, in particular our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:10 — Investments”
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Summary: God asks us to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Matthew 22:39) Peter helps us understand what this means.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:9 — Twofer”